scholarly journals The Genus Urodontidius Louw (Anthribidae: Urodontinae) Rediscovered and Its Biological Secrets Revealed: A Tribute to Schalk Louw (1952–2018)

Diversity ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rolf Oberprieler ◽  
Clarke Scholtz

The paper records the rediscovery of the rare Urodontidius enigmaticus Louw, 1993 in South Africa, based on specimens reared from galls in the succulent leaves of Ruschia versicolor. The original account of some of the morphological characters of the species is corrected, and its habitus, antennae, pygidium and genitalia are illustrated. Its life history and galling habit on its host plant are described and illustrated, and its larva is compared with those of the genera Urodontellus Louw and Urodontus Louw, which represent different larval types with different life histories. The silk-spinning habits of the Urodontellus larva are briefly described. A tribute to the late Schalk Louw is presented, together with a list of his publications on weevils.

1958 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. H. Anderson ◽  
C. V. G. Morgan

Bryobia praetiosa Koch (1836) was formerly regarded as a complex of closely related species or races similar in morphological characters but varying widely in life-history, host plant specificity, and habits. The authors (30) have recently shown that two species, the clover mite, B. praetiosa Koch, and the brown mite, B. arborea Morgan and Anderson, can be distinguished in British Columbia on the basis of morphological characters. This paper presents ecological data in support of the morphological evidence.


Koedoe ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R.F. Terblanche ◽  
H. Van Hamburg

Due to their intricate life histories and the unique wing patterns and colouring the butterflies of the genus Chrysoritis are of significant conservation and aesthetic value. Thisoverview probes into practical examples of butterfly life history research applicable to environmental management of this relatively well-known invertebrate group in South Africa. Despite the pioneer work on life histories of Chrysoritis in the past, more should be done to understand the life history of the butterflies in the wild, especially their natural host plants and the behaviour of adults and larvae. A system of voucher specimens of host plants should be introduced in South Africa. Although various host plant species in nature are used by the members of Chrysoritis, including the Chrysoritis chrysaor group, the choice of these in nature by each species is significant for conservation management and in the case of Chrysoritis aureus perhaps even as a specific characteristic.A revision of the ant genus Crematogaster will benefit the conservation management of Chrysoritis species since some of these ant species may consist of a number of specieswith much more restricted distributions than previously thought. Rigorous quantified tudies of population dynamics of Chrysoritis butterflies are absent and the introductionof such studies will benefit conservation management of these localised butterflies extensively.


1963 ◽  
Vol 95 (12) ◽  
pp. 1321-1344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Rae MacKay

AbstractA true understanding of the evolution of the morphological characters of the tortricid larva, and hence of the phylogeny of the species, requires study of early as well as late instars. The characters of the first instars of about 20 species are compared with those of later instars. Postembryological changes and their significance are discussed for the head, the coronal suture, the ocelli, the spinneret, the body, the spiracle, the anal shield, the anal fork, the crochets, the integument and sclerotized areas, and the setae. Characters of the primitive larva are postulated, and it is concluded that this larva probably lived in a protected habitat, mining some part of its host plant, and had a convenient exit from which it could eject the frass. The evolution of some of the tortricid tribes as indicated by larval characters is also tentatively suggested: the Olethreutinae could have evolved from the Tortricinae as a result of the suppression «f the anal fork on the primordial tortricid ancestor; the reappearance of the fork not too long after its suppression resulted in the Olethreutini, and its continued suppression resulted in the Eucosmini and Laspcyresiini. The Archipini and Sparganothini appear to be the most specialized of the tribes examined of the Tortricinae, and the Laspeyresiim the most specialized of the Olethreutinae, with Laspeyresia Hbn. group 1 possibly being among the most recently evolved in the Tortricidae.The inferences in this paper are drawn from: examination of the setal arrangements of a few first instars, the chaetotaxy of which is presumed to be an expression of the phylogenetic past of the larva; the fundamental setal arrangements on those larvae that, in late instars, show undoubted structural specialization; deductions as to the original arrangements of setae on the posterior abdominal segments by comparison with that on the primitive middle abdominal segments; the structural changes that occur between early and late instars and between generalized and specialized larvae; and lastly, a knowledge of the life histories of some of the species examined.It is hoped that the discussion supporting these inferences will enable us to better understand (a) the changes occurring in larval characters not included here, (b) the phylogeny of other tribes of the Tortricidae, and (c) the larval structural changes and phylogeny of other families in the Microlepidoptera.


1959 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 501-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Delany

SynopsisThe life history ofPetrobius brevistylisCarpenter is described from material reared in the laboratory and captured in the field (south Devonshire). A method of identifying the first eight instars is discussed and their diagnostic morphological characters described. Fecundity and time of oviposition are considered at some length. The effects of climate on various phases of the life history are considered as well as the faunas found associated withP. brevistylis. A brief description of the life history ofP. maritimus(Leach) is included.


Author(s):  
Maren N. Vitousek ◽  
Laura A. Schoenle

Hormones mediate the expression of life history traits—phenotypic traits that contribute to lifetime fitness (i.e., reproductive timing, growth rate, number and size of offspring). The endocrine system shapes phenotype by organizing tissues during developmental periods and by activating changes in behavior, physiology, and morphology in response to varying physical and social environments. Because hormones can simultaneously regulate many traits (hormonal pleiotropy), they are important mediators of life history trade-offs among growth, reproduction, and survival. This chapter reviews the role of hormones in shaping life histories with an emphasis on developmental plasticity and reversible flexibility in endocrine and life history traits. It also discusses the advantages of studying hormone–behavior interactions from an evolutionary perspective. Recent research in evolutionary endocrinology has provided insight into the heritability of endocrine traits, how selection on hormone systems may influence the evolution of life histories, and the role of hormonal pleiotropy in driving or constraining evolution.


Author(s):  
Marcin W. Zielonka ◽  
Tom W. Pope ◽  
Simon R. Leather

Abstract The carnation tortrix moth, Cacoecimorpha pronubana (Hübner, [1799]) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is one of the most economically important insect species affecting the horticultural industry in the UK. The larvae consume foliage, flowers or fruits, and/or rolls leaves together with silken threads, negatively affecting the growth and/or aesthetics of the crop. In order to understand the polyphagous behaviour of this species within an ornamental crop habitat, we hypothesized that different host plant species affect its life history traits differently. This study investigated the effects of the host plant species on larval and pupal durations and sizes, and fecundity (the number of eggs and the number and size of egg clutches). At 20°C, 60% RH and a 16L:8D photoperiod larvae developed 10, 14, 20 and 36 days faster when reared on Christmas berry, Photinia (Rosaceae), than on cherry laurel, Prunus laurocerasus (Rosaceae), New Zealand broadleaf, Griselinia littoralis (Griseliniaceae), Mexican orange, Choisya ternata (Rutaceae), and firethorn, Pyracantha angustifolia (Rosaceae), respectively. Female pupae were 23.8 mg heavier than male pupae, and pupal weight was significantly correlated with the duration of larval development. The lowest and the highest mean numbers of eggs were produced by females reared on Pyracantha (41) and Photinia (202), respectively. Clutch size differed significantly among moths reared on different host plants, although the total number of eggs did not differ. This study showed that different ornamental host plants affect the development of C. pronubana differently. Improved understanding of the influence of host plant on the moth's life history parameters measured here will help in determining the economic impact that this species may have within the ornamental plant production environment, and may be used in developing more accurate crop protection methodologies within integrated pest management of this insect.


2021 ◽  
pp. 025576142199115
Author(s):  
Tim Palmer ◽  
David Baker

This article explores the life histories of virtuoso classical music soloists with particular reference to conservatoire provision. Detailed life-history interviews were conducted with six virtuosi between May 2018 and January 2019. These participants were three singers, two cellists and a concert pianist. Resultant qualitative data were stored in an NVivo software database and understood through a process of analytic induction. Key findings spotlight the significance of Higher Education, a connection between broad creative and cultural interest and musical excellence, and a significant role for conservatoires in diversifying their training and easing transition into the career. The soloists also warned of dangers relating to controlling teachers, loss of autonomy and a need to convey their career realities to students.


2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Scanlan

This study creates life history portraits of two White middle-class native-English-speaking principals demonstrating commitments to social justice in their work in public elementary schools serving disproportionately high populations of students who are marginalized by poverty, race, and linguistic heritage. Through self-reported life histories of these principals, I create portraits that illustrate how these practitioners draw motivation, commitment, and sustenance in varied, complicated, and at times contradictory ways.


1952 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendell F. Sellers

Collections of Cactophagus spinolae (Gylh.) were made in Mexico in 1946, 1947, and 1948 to supplement the biological control of prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) in South Africa. During these three years, 862, 1,396, and 15,584 adults, respectively, were dispatched to South Africa. The weevils were sent by air express in specially designed containers, and arrived in excellent condition.This paper includes information on the distribution, life history and food preferences of C. spinolae. The need is stressed for anticipating the effects of transit conditions upon living insect material transported by aircraft.


Parasitology ◽  
1959 ◽  
Vol 49 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 374-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Thomas

1. The life history of N. battus is described, and a comparative description of the life history of N. filicollis is given.2. The life histories of these two species are compared with those of N. spathiger and N. helvetianus, two closely related species, and are shown to follow the same basic pattern, with minor variations in timing which appear to be specific in nature, and not related to differences in culture methods or host species.3. The pathogenesis of Nematodirus species is discussed and related to the migration of larvae into the intestinal mucosa during development.


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